DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  The incumbent of this class serves at the pleasure of the County Executive. Responsibilities include providing executive staff and operational assistance and support to the County Executive in the overall administration of County departmental affairs.  Additionally, the incumbent assists the County Executive in the coordination, planning, organization, direction, staffing, troubleshooting, implementation, evaluation and control of all organizational and functional elements of the County. The incumbent articulates and interprets the sentiments of the executive branch particularly to the legislative branch and enlists the cooperation of others in translating them into action. Work is performed under general direction of, and in close cooperation with, the County Executive. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Assists the County Executive in the planning, organization, staffing, directing and controlling of governmental affairs, to assure adherence to the County Charter, the provision of quality and cost-effective services, and the achievement of organizational goals/objectives;
• Fosters an organizational climate conducive to the expeditious and productive resolution of operational, organizational, programmatic and other conflicts/problems that may arise;
• Implements assignments as designated by the County Executive and follows up and reports on special assignments/projects within County departments;
• Represents the County Executive with the legislative branch of government, as directed, and with elected and appointed department heads;
• Fosters favorable working relationships between the the Office of the County Executive, the Board of Legislators, and county departments in an effort to fulfill the overall mission of the County to provide quality services to the people of Putnam;
• Serves as a liaison and communications link between the executive office and the Board of Legislators to ensure for unity of direction on major policy issues, operation problems and strategic planning for County services;
• Acts on behalf of the County Executive in the daily management of the County to assure timely access to the executive office by department or agency heads, and prompt decisions and/or counsel on matters regarding policy, practice or organizational direction;
• Directs the establishment of policies and procedures, and the initiation and implementation of short and long‑range plans;
• Examines County policies/procedures for the County Executive and recommends changes as necessary;
• Keeps department heads informed on policy matters, relationships and long‑range plans;
• Conducts research and special studies and maintains the appropriate records and reports of such;
• Serves as a primary contact for communication with the executive office on a myriad of internal/external issues to assure prompt response for those requiring the immediate attention of the County Executive;
• Informs the County Executive of major policy issues that require on‑going attention, and confers with the Chief Executive, as required, or where judgment and/or precedent dictate;
• In the absence of the County Executive, may conduct regular department head meetings;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILL, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Comprehensive knowledge of public administration theories, principles and practices; comprehensive knowledge of organization planning and management; ability to promote, plan, and organize; ability to work and communicate effectively with a variety of people; ability to analyze facts and place them in proper perspective to problems; ability to execute policies and make difficult recommendations; sound professional and management judgment; diplomacy and integrity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Qualifications are determined by the County Executive.

10/01; 4/09; 12/22

Exempt Class